ISTANBUL / SİNOP, 1 Dec 2025 — In a historic milestone for aviation and defense technology, Türkiye’s indigenous unmanned fighter jet, Bayraktar KIZILELMA, has successfully destroyed a jet-powered aerial target — marking the first time an uncrewed combat aircraft has fired a radar-guided air-to-air missile and hit another aircraft.
Developed by Baykar, KIZILELMA launched a locally-made GÖKDOĞAN missile after detecting the target with its onboard MURAD AESA radar. The missile hit the high-speed test target during exercises off the coast of Sinop, proving that unmanned jets can now execute full-fledged air-to-air combat operations.
This test wasn’t just a technical feat — it also demonstrated manned-unmanned teaming, with five F-16 fighter jets flying in formation alongside KIZILELMA. The exercise confirmed that future aerial combat can combine human pilots with autonomous jets for strategic flexibility and risk reduction.
“For the first time in the world, an unmanned combat aircraft fired an air-to-air missile with radar guidance and hit its target with perfect accuracy,” said Baykar officials.
Until now, drones were largely limited to air-to-ground missions. KIZILELMA’s success marks a global first in unmanned aviation — proving that drones can now detect, track, launch, and destroy jet-powered airborne targets.
Defense analysts say this achievement signals a transformative shift in aerial warfare. By reducing risks to pilots and lowering operational costs, unmanned jets could reshape the future of air combat worldwide.
Social Media Version (Facebook / Instagram)
📰 Historic First! Türkiye’s Pilotless Fighter Jet Hits Aerial Target!
Türkiye has made aviation history! 🇹🇷 The Bayraktar KIZILELMA has successfully destroyed a jet-powered target using an air-to-air missile — the first unmanned fighter in the world to do so.
⚡ Highlights:
-
Locally-developed GÖKDOĞAN missile
-
Uses MURAD AESA radar for precision
-
Demonstrates manned-unmanned teaming with F-16s
-
Marks a global first in air-to-air drone combat
This achievement signals a new era in aerial warfare, proving that drones can now operate alongside or even replace human-piloted jets.
